RAILS provides delivery service to support Illinois' vast interlibrary loan program and technology support for more than 600 libraries' shared online catalogs. Our services include continuing education and consulting resources to library employees and trustees, as well as e-book services, group purchases, and vendor discounts. We serve approximately 1300 private, public, school, and university library members, which have a total of more than 4200 library facilities in a 27,000 square mile area. Although the city of Chicago is within our boundaries, and a number of our member libraries are located in Chicago, the Chicago Public Library constitutes a separate library system. Members have several opportunities to network with each other through email lists, networking groups, member updates, and at networking events. We are governed by a Board of Directors, elected by member libraries. Library systems are established by state law (75 ILCS 10/, the Illinois Library System Act). Funding for Illinois Library Systems is provided through the Illinois State Library and the Secretary of State, with funds appropriated by the Illinois General Assembly. RAILS was formed in 2011, from a merger of the Alliance, DuPage, Metropolitan, North Suburban, and Prairie Area library systems. --- Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) is a government agency that provides delivery, shared catalogs, resource sharing, CE, and communication services to all types of libraries in northern and west-central Illinois.
External link for Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS)
125 Tower Dr
Burr Ridge, Illinois, US
1000 W Crossroads Pkwy
Bolingbrook, Illinois, US
220 W 23rd Ave
Coal Valley, Illinois 61240, US
4607 Colt Rd
Rockford, Illinois 61109, US
We hope you had as much fun at #ILAAC24 as we did! So many RAILS staff members and trustees shared their valuable knowledge and we loved meeting our members and creating memories with them in our photo booth (complete with Flat Alexi). Until next year 👋
Join us for the “Collection Management for Today’s School Library” webinar on Tuesday, October 22 at 6 p.m. to discover how to assess and improve your school library collection to meet the needs of faculty, parents, students, and the community. You'll leave with practical strategies to ensure your collection is effective and well-used. One hour of PDH credit is available. ➡ Register at https://lnkd.in/g3g_bRc9.
Our photo booth is H-O-T at I-L-A 💙✨ (Thanks for the cameo, Mychal Threets) #ILAAC24
🎧✨ Episode two of Can’t Shelve This is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more! In "Advocacy 101: Help Me Help You," Janette and Leah chat with school librarians Gail Meyer (Thornton Fractional South High School) and Deb Will (Zion-Benton Township High School D126) about the simplest and most impactful ways that anyone can advocate for school libraries. Subscribe wherever you listen and never miss an episode. Can't Shelve This is a Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) production in collaboration with Illinois Heartland Library System (IHLS).
RAILS is proudly sponsoring the #ILAAC24 ILA Membership Meeting and President’s Program with Mychal Threets on Wednesday, October 9 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. With a wealth of experience in various roles within librarianship, Threets serves as a guiding light and inspiration in the library community. His infectious positivity and optimistic worldview bring joy to all who engage with him, whether online or in person. We hope to see you there!
👏 The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that RAILS Director of Technology Services Anne Slaughter has been appointed as the new Broadband Advisory Council Chair. “We’re so proud of what Anne has accomplished in the area of broadband and digital equity,” said RAILS Executive Director Monica Harris. “This is part of RAILS' Strategic Plan: to support member libraries’ efforts to provide equitable, diverse, and inclusive services. Through consistent advocacy and engagement, Anne has put libraries in a better place to utilize incoming federal and state funding.” ➡ Read the full press release at https://lnkd.in/gNW7e6by Congratulations, Anne!
⭐ Getting ready for #ILAAC24? Don't forget to stop by RAILS Booth #401! Create memories in our photo booth, enter for a chance to win a Canon Ivy Mini Photo Printer, and chat with us about all the exciting opportunities available to Illinois libraries. RAILS is a Platinum Sponsor of the Illinois Library Association Conference and is sponsoring the ILA Membership Meeting and President’s Program with Mychal Threets.
RAILS has signed an agreement to continue providing access to Freedom Lifted’s Social Justice in Public Libraries program for all member libraries! This popular resource allows library staff to learn more about equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in libraries. Despite the title, the course content is relevant and applicable to all library types. The new contract will allow participants to utilize these resources until September 2025. ➡ Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gaXGrbm6.
Q: My library is part of an ILS consortium, why would we participate in Find More Illinois? A: FMI provides an extra layer of resource sharing to libraries across the state—regardless of their size, type, or consortial status. FMI is a solution for libraries seeking to enhance equitable access to resources across the state. ➡ Learn more about our interlibrary loan platform at findmoreillinois.org.
NAMI Mental Health First Aid is an empowering course that teaches you how to spot and support someone struggling with mental health or substance use issues. Join us in person at RAILS Burr Ridge on Wednesday, October 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to gain practical skills that will help you make a difference when it matters most. The cost of this event is $20, which includes lunch. ➡ Learn more and register at https://lnkd.in/g-45JGza.